By now you’ve watched enough TV cop shows to know that an officer should never go into a dangerous
building alone. Always call for backup.

How can a parent ever fully relax? When your kids are little, they
are vulnerable to a thousand dangers and risks, from SIDS to choking to falling down the stairs. But the
risks are just as big when they are high schoolers and go out on the streets by themselves. What parent
of teenagers hasn’t worried about automobile accidents, alcohol, and drugs?

Once Jesus scolded his disciples for brushing off the importance of children. In that rebuke is a marvelous comfort for every
Christian parent: “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their
angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

Did you catch the significance? You have backup! God’s powerful angels have specific personal assignments, and they
know the names and whereabouts of the little ones at all times. They must report to the Father and
have all of his authority and power behind them. Someday, when we’re in heaven, God may choose to
tell us how many hair-raising disasters his invisible agents averted. Maybe we’ll get to meet the angels
who watched our kids. I hope so—I’ve got a big load of thanks to deliver.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for giving us children to love and rear in accordance with your Word
and will. Thank you also for the protection and backup of your powerful angels, helping to keep them
safe. May we be the kind of parents you want us to be, and may our children grow up loving, trusting,
and serving our Savior Jesus Christ. Bring us all safely to our heavenly home for all eternity. In Jesus’
name we ask this. Amen.